Wicomico River Stewardship Initiative
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Water Quality

Water quality is necessary in understanding the health of a river. Tests measure Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Chlorophyll, and Water clarity. Both Nitrogen and Phosphorus are elements that are considered nutrients from all types of runoff. In excessive amounts they can cause algal blooms and affect water clarity. Chlorophyll is a pigment found in plants and algae, and is used to detect suspended phytoplankton (leads to algal blooms). Water clarity tests for suspended sediment and to observe how much sunlight can reach lower lying levels of the river. Pollution can result from both agricultural land, as well as urban, in forms of storm water, runoff, and waste.


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Is it safe to swim?
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Swim Guide App
Download the app using the button above to see what water quality is like in your watershed!
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